Bristol Zoo Gardens to extend opening hours ahead of final closure
The Clifton site will shut for good on September 3 after 186 years of history
It seems Bristol Zoo is experiencing unprecedented demand with its Clifton site due to shut for good a week tomorrow (September 3).
The Bristol Zoological Society, which runs Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton, says the site will open an hour earlier than normal on its final two days (next Friday and Saturday), so as many people can visit as possible before it closes for good.
The Clifton site has been home to a zoo for 186 years, making it the fifth oldest zoo in the world.
Anyone who wants to go between now and the closing date is advised to pre-book tickets to guarantee entry.
Simon Garrett, head of public engagement at the zoo, says the next few days will mark a moment in the history of the whole city.
"Bristol Zoo Gardens has been a staple part of Bristol life for 186 years and recognised globally," he said.
“Thousands of families will have memories dating back decades.
"For many the Zoo has been a significant part of their life.
"This week marks the end of a momentous chapter.
"In recognition of that, we want to give as many people as possible the chance to say their goodbyes before the gates close.”
All the animals on site will be moved on to new homes after the closure.
Some, including the gorillas and red pandas will stay on until new enclosures are built for them at Wild Place Project, which will become the new Bristol Zoo in 2024.
Others though, including the penguins, seals, and meerkats will move onto new homes elsewhere.
To mark the closure of Bristol Zoo Gardens there have been special features on site for several weeks already.
"The BIG Summer Send Off" as its been called features a gigantic wooden gorilla called Wilder and her baby Monty-Alan on the main lawn.
There is also a Past, Present and Future exhibit showcasing the Zoo's history and a theatre show called Into the Wild.
More than 90 million people have visited over the 186 years of the Zoo's history and met many favourite animals over the near two centuries.
There was Zebi the Asian elephant, who arrived in 1868 and became renowned for removing and eating straw hats.
Rajah, who replaced Zebi, gave rides to children for many years.
Rosie the elephant was also very popular, and many local people may remember rides on Rosie during the 1950s.
The Zoo’s more recent elephants, Wendy and Christina, were known for being taken for walks to Whiteladies Road during the 1960s and Roger, a rare black rhino, was the first black rhino ever born in the UK, in 1958.
Arguably Bristol Zoo Gardens’ most famous resident was Alfred the gorilla, who lived at the Zoo from 1930 to 1948.
He was, at the time, the only gorilla in captivity in the country.
Now, his taxidermic form stands in the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery.
As well as running the visitor attraction and its sister site Wild Place Project, Bristol Zoological Society focuses on breeding endangered species, conservation and scientific education, and working to protect wildlife in their natural habitats in four continents.
The Society’s vision for the new Bristol Zoo highlights that focus, with 80 per cent of the species for the new Bristol Zoo linked to conservation breeding and conservation programmes around the world – a higher percentage than any other zoo in the UK.
For those travelling to the Zoo for the final opening days, visitors are encouraged to use sustainable modes of transport where possible, especially as car parks have been busy over the last few weeks.
Visitors to Bristol Zoo Gardens can benefit from a 33% discount on their entry tickets if they travel sustainably, and First Bus are currently inviting families of up to five individuals to travel for £10 – go to ‘getting here’ page of the Zoo website and firstbus.co.uk/golocal for details and terms and conditions.
While Bristol Zoo Gardens will close to the public on Saturday 3 September, Wild Place Project will remain open as usual to visitors while the new Bristol Zoo is constructed.